The substitute husband who has been insulted

Episode 6

"Velyn, hey!" called Richard, patting his wife's cheeks.

There was no response, Velyn's skin felt very cold. Richard panicked, cradling his wife's body and quickly laying her down on the bed. He removed her shoes, coat, and loosened the clothing she had on.

Somewhat panicked, Richard opened every bedside table drawer looking for essential oils. After finding it, he applied it under the woman's nose. He spread it on her forehead, chest, and then across her slender fingers.

Richard's breath was heavy, "Wake up, Vel!" he muttered, then massaged between her thumb and index finger.

Having done this for quite some time with no sign of awareness from Velyn, he moved on to her feet, applying the essential oil to the cold soles of her feet and massaging the nerve points to coax Velyn back to consciousness.

Velyn moaned, her head shaking restlessly. Her eyelids felt heavy to open. Dizziness and darkness overwhelmed her.

Hearing his wife's moan, Richard quickly approached, bringing his lips close to Velyn's ear. "Vel, Velyn can you hear me?" he whispered softly.

Velyn scrunched up her face before finally parting her eyelids slowly. Her head was still very dizzy. Her breath too was laborious.

"Ah, you're finally awake!" Richard sighed with relief, wiping the sweat from his own forehead.

"Water..." Velyn whispered faintly, feeling parched in her mouth and throat.

Richard slapped his forehead, realizing he forgot to prepare a drink for her. "Yes! Just a moment. I'll make some warm tea. Hang in there," Richard replied, gently rubbing Velyn's shoulder. Aware or not, Velyn responded with a nod.

In a hurry, Richard ran to the kitchen, quickly boiling water and making warm tea for his wife. A moment later, Richard returned with swift steps holding a cup of warm tea in his hand.

Because he was rushed and not paying attention to where he was going, Richard accidentally collided with Debora, causing the drink to spill on the young woman's dress.

"What the f**k!" Debora cursed, stepping back, staring down at her stained dress. Her mouth agape, her eyes widening in shock. Slowly looking up, her teeth chattered with fury.

"Richard! What are you doing? Where are your eyes, huh? Just knocking into people. Look at my favorite dress all wet and dirty now. Do you know how much it costs? Your whole year's salary at the bar wouldn't be enough to pay for it!" Debora ranted rudely. Her piercing voice ringed in Richard's ears immediately.

The man closed his eyes for a moment, glaring at Debora with irritation. His lips unwilling to respond as he just took a deep breath.

"Staring into space again! Do you hear me talking to you?" Debora snapped, arrogantly crossing her arms.

Richard just clicked his tongue in disdain, choosing another path to avoid his sister-in-law who was blocking his way. That, of course, enraged Debora even more.

"Dammit, Richard! Freeloading in your wife's house and not showing any gratitude!" she shrieked, hands on her hips.

Before ascending the stairs, Richard looked back, "Velyn fainted in the bedroom," he said, then returned to their room.

"What?! Velyn fainted?" Debora cried out in shock.

Debora's loud voice drew the attention of the other household members. Rendra and his wife approached their youngest daughter.

"What's wrong with your sister, Ra?" Sabrina asked with a worried expression.

"Richard says she fainted, Ma," she replied.

"What?! Fainted!" Rendra and Sabrina exclaimed in unison. Debora nodded in confirmation.

The three of them rushed to Velyn's room, pushing the door open harshly. The first sight that greeted them was Richard helping his wife to sit up.

They were in an embrace, their proximity close. Just a few inches apart. Richard placed a pillow behind his wife's back and then offered her a glass of warm tea, though some had spilled.

"My God, Velyn!" Sabrina shouted hysterically, seeing her daughter pale as a ghost.

The middle-aged woman forcefully pulled Richard's arm and then slapped his face. "What have you done to my daughter, huh? You must have forced upon her until she's like this. Answer me! How dare you!" Sabrina berated, striking Richard's sturdy arm.

Having just taken a few sips of the warm beverage, Velyn turned to them. Her lips trembled, wishing to speak, but she was still too weak. She wanted to stop her mother from hitting Richard.

"Enough, Ma! Let's just take her to the hospital!" Rendra intervened, stopping Sabrina's fury.

Velyn turned her gaze to Richard, her plea evident in her eyes that now began to well up, ready to spill tears. She shook her head lightly; she didn't want to go to the hospital. She even appeared frightened.

"Take my daughter to the car. Take her to the hospital now!" Rendra ordered his son-in-law.

Richard approached a trembling Velyn. Her hand gripped the edge of Richard's shirt tightly. "I don't want to go to the hospital," she whispered very faintly.